Well, the transfer window just opened and most people agree that United need another striker to compete for all the silverware they are still in the running for this year. There are always rumors upon rumors of players going to United, most of them unfounded. Who would you sign, if you could? Remember, we want a player who is eligible to play in at least the CL, if not the FA Cup, as well. Try to be reasonable, as some players would cost way too much, or would not be available. I think United need a striker who is strong in the air as it has already been pointed out on other threads that the team is weak in this area. I have already stated my preference for Sporting Lisbon's Mario Jardel, but only if he's CL eligible. (Sporting got knocked out in the qualifying rounds if memory serves. Anyone know if this makes Jardel eligible or not?) Any other thoughts?
Cup-tied. As for who I would sign? I'd sign Shevchenko and use him for EPL, FA Cup, and Worthington Cup matches. You have Ruud, Ole, Forlan, Giggs and Scholes for Europe.
Speculation is starting to hot up that we are signing David Bellion from Sunderland by the weekend. And he may even be available for selection against West Brom this weekend.
Re: Re: Transfer possibilities Shevchenko is a fantastic player, and not too happy in Milan. I'd love to have Shearer, but there's no way that Newcastle would part with him on his current form. Plus, he's cup tied for all of the competitions. Fowler is a possibility as he appears to be on the market. How about Viduka - clearly unhappy at Leeds, and a quality striker. Batigol will probably go somewhere soon, but he's not the player that he used to be. If he could find his form at OT, that would be intriguing. Bierhoff could probably be obtained, but I have not been impressed with him in the last few years. Anyone know the status of Tomasson? I haven't seen him in Milan's lineup for a while. Is he injured?
Yes, the rumour mill is definitely homing in on Bellion - both the BBC and the Guardian say that Alex has made a 1.5 million offer for him. He apparently played for the French under 20s team, runs out of contract with Sunderland at the end of this season and is not CL cup-tied. I had it in my head that he was a striker but the Guardian has this to say about him: "a 20-year-old whom Ferguson believes will give his wingers serious competition." That could be good. Both Giggs and Beckham need cover.
Here's a bio I found on Bellion: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/player?id=8073&cc=5901 Also, a story on Soccernet comfirming the Bellion rumors. He is listed as a striker: http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=253971&cc=5901
sheva or rebrov I think picking up Sheva from Milan would be an amazing pick but would be very expensive and he is cuptied for the CL already. Rebrov would be a good pickup if we could get him for cheap or free trade but he would take the rest of the season just to get back up to speed bacause he hasn't played much. Hell, if Becks and Scholesy keeps scoring the way they have been there might not be much need for a new stricker. Alas that is a bit of a streatch.
mmm duff I'd love to have Duff. Can play wide on either side and I think he is more comfortable playing as a withdrawn striker than Giggs or Scholes.
Very raw talent, but has great pace, make that amazing pace.. and from what I remember, has a very nice shot. Hes a good player, and will only get better.
According to RedNews, we had a bid rejected for Ronaldinho last week (offer not high enough apparently). We are now supposedly preparing an 8 mil bid for Spurs' Simon Davies.
20 appearances this year: 4 Goals and 2 Assists Regarding the type of player he is, I'm not sure, I haven't watched any Spurs highlights this year to check him out....
Simon Davies really isn't a striker. He's an attacking winger who often plays on the right, but can play on the left as well. I'm not sure he's the answer, except as a backup or cover if Giggs leaves. He's a Welsh wizard as well.
Just to throw a name out into this discussion. How about Claudio Pizarro from Bayern Munich? It is being reported in Germany and Peru that he is not happy at Bayern and apparently doesn't get along with his coach. Apparently he disagrees with the coach's defensive style whereas he prefers to play a more offensive style. He has stated that he is seriously considering leaving the club if another team makes a bid for him. This is a player whom is very good in offense and he has proven himself in a very good league such as the bundesliga. Unfortunately, he wouldnt be eligible for CL play this year. So what do you guys think?
I heard it was also on Planetfootball.com, of course they probably picked it up from them too I guess...
Davies may be a great player, but United need a striker, not a middie. Same goes for Duff, although he has been used as a withdrawn forward. Bellion is an interesting possibility. Both Beckham and Veron are capable of some nicely weighted balls that would spring a speedy striker. If Bellion also has some springs and can get his head on crosses and corners, then he might be an interesting acquisition.
Well, United had Keane, Butt, Fortune, and Beckham out at the same time and the midfield played pretty well. The biggest need, by far, is for another striker.